Defining the PERFECT Educator?

One of my close friends called me last night to vent. She wanted to apply for an Instructional Coach position in a different school district a few miles from where she currently works as an elementary school teacher. Here was her problem: She read over the job application and job duties for the position and started to question herself.

There were over 28 categories of what the job would entail, along with a 29th category that said, “and other duties assigned by the Assistant Superintendent.” I wonder if #29 included 30 more potential duties.

Along with this hefty list, there was also a list of 33 (yes, 33) characteristics of the personal and professional attributes that the district was looking for to fill this Instructional Coach position. Some of the attributes included the following:

• Must be hard working.

• Must be positive.

• Must be dependable.

• Must be flexible.

• Must be organized.

• Must be able to get along with others.

• Must have a track record of success as a teacher, and coach (preferred).

• Must be willing to live in the district.

• Must respond to needs, accordingly and appropriately.

• Must advocate for all children.

• Must nurture a positive school culture.

• Must understand how to best utilize resources.

• Must be proficient in multiple techn0logy integration platforms.

• Must support district programs.

• Must be available for after school programs.

• Must be able to handle diverse situations.

• Must coach staff to prepare students for state assessment success.

• Must track multiple forms of data and facilitate data training.

• Must be proficient in student management software.

• Must have 5 years of successful teaching experience.

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